The Myanmar military has launched a fresh offensive toward Kyindwe in Kanpetlet Township, seeking to push into territory controlled by the Arakan Army (AA), according to local military sources.

The offensive is reportedly advancing from Laungshwe in Magway Region, with the military using air support as ground forces attempt to move toward Kyindwe. Fighting has continued along several routes, as troops face resistance from AA and other armed groups.

The military has previously attempted to advance from the Mindat and Kanpetlet areas but has struggled to make significant gains. Local sources said the latest push toward Kyindwe appears aimed at opening an alternative route into AA-held territory.

According to Border News Agency, the Kyindwe area has strategic importance because routes from there could provide access toward Paletwa, Mrauk-U and Minbya, all of which are under AA control. The latest offensive could therefore be linked to efforts to open another approach toward Paletwa Township.

Local military sources, however, said the advance faces major obstacles, including difficult mountainous terrain, poor transport links and strong resistance from armed groups operating in the area. They said these conditions could make it difficult for the military to sustain a major ground offensive.

The fighting is reportedly spreading across Kyindwe, Mindat, Kanpetlet and Matupi townships, with the AA and other resistance forces involved in the clashes.

“If they cannot retake Mindat, reaching Matupi will be difficult. Even if they take Matupi, moving toward Paletwa would remain a major challenge,” a local military source told Border News Agency, describing the Kyindwe route as an alternative approach.

The sources also said the AA has recently reorganised Kyindwe, Kanpetlet, Mindat, Matupi and Sami into a new military region known as the “Dragon” Military Region. A senior AA regional commander has reportedly been appointed to oversee the area.

Thousands of fighters from the AA and other armed resistance groups are also reported to have been deployed along potential military advance routes, where they have established several layers of defensive positions.

Local sources said the scale of the resistance and the difficult terrain could prevent the Myanmar military from breaking through the defensive lines, potentially turning the latest offensive into another prolonged battle for control of the region.

BOB Post